Dodge unleashed two new, leading Dodge Ram pickups today, as the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon burst from the ground here at the DaimlerChrysler Chelsea Proving Grounds, followed immediately by the familiar rumble of Viper V-10 power as the new 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab raced into position as the newest member of the Ram and SRT families.

"Whether it's power, speed, torque or off-road prowess, Dodge Ram continues to lead the competition in every category," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO, Chrysler Group. "As the most capable off-road pickup on the planet, the Dodge Ram Power Wagon goes places no other pickup can, while the Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab hauls in more ways than one."

Before the ground shook, Dodge Ram was already the leading truck on the market with a lineup long on superlatives:

Dodge Ram 1500 with legendary HEMI® power is the most powerful mass production light-duty pickup on the market;

Dodge Ram SRT-10 is the Guinness Book of World Records fastest production pickup ever; and

Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Cummins 600 is the strongest pickup on the market with 600 lb.-ft. of class-dominating torque.

With the return of the new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon and the addition of the new 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab to the Chrysler Group family of performance vehicles, Dodge Ram adds to its impressive list of leadership claims:

The new Dodge Ram Power Wagon is the most capable off-road production pickup ever created

"The impressive list of Dodge Ram leadership claims continues to expand," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President — Dodge Marketing. "The Dodge Ram Power Wagon absolutely demolishes the competition in off-road capability, while the new Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab delivers convenience, capability and Viper performance in one incredible package. The Dodge Ram family of trucks continues to dominate the competition across the board."

New 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

New for 2005, the big, bad Dodge Ram Power Wagon is back for the first time in 25 years. The Dodge Ram Power Wagon returns to the Dodge lineup as a new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty model, and debuts as the most capable off-road pickup on the planet.

Built for the road less traveled, the Dodge Ram Power Wagon legend is reborn with legendary HEMI power, class-exclusive electric locking front and rear differentials, a class-exclusive electronic disconnecting front sway bar and a custom-built Warn 12,000-lb. winch. The Dodge Ram Power Wagon leaves the competition in its dust — on- and off-road — and follows a simple credo: talk loudly and carry a big stick.

"The new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon lives up to its name," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President — Body-on-Frame Product Team. "Dodge Power Wagon doesn't just beat the competition, it decimates them. There is simply no other pickup on the market that can touch the Dodge Ram Power Wagon's off-road prowess."

Based on the Dodge Ram 2500 and available in either Regular or Quad CabTM body styles, the new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon stands 80.6 inches tall and is distinguished by custom matte finish wheel flares, a large Power Wagon badge across the tailgate, custom 17 x 8-inch polished forged aluminum wheels and 33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires — the tallest standard tires offered on a production pickup.

The 345-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8 is the only available engine.

The 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon boasts best-in-class wheel articulation with new suspension designs. The front suspension uses a solid front axle with coil spring design, while the rear features a new single stage leaf design and uses unique, softer spring settings.

For serious off-roading capability, the Dodge Ram Power Wagon features new 4.56 gearing and Bilstein monotube high-pressure gas shock absorbers.

"The Dodge Ram Power Wagon goes where other pickups cannot, but without deteriorating the Ram Heavy Duty's ride or towing capability," said Donoughe. "The Power Wagon was built by off-roaders for off-roaders. One look at it — and especially at the standard custom 12,000-lb. Warn winch — lets you know that Power Wagon means business."

New 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab

If a Dodge Ram pickup — complete with 500 horsepower courtesy of the Dodge Viper SRT-10 engine — is good, a Viper-powered Ram with four doors is even better.

Following on the success of the Dodge Ram SRT-10 regular cab pickup, Dodge introduces the Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab, targeted directly at the truck enthusiast who wants SRT performance in a pickup with room for the family and towing capacity.

"We knew when we came out with the world's fastest production pickup that there would be customers who would want that same ultimate performance, but in a pickup that offered four-passenger seating and towing capability," said Dan Knott, Director — Street and Racing Technology (SRT). "So, the question was, 'Can we create a more usable truck for the person who wants to haul more stuff, but is not willing to give up performance?' Our answer is the Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab: a truck that is just as bad and bold in terms of performance, but a little more capable and versatile in terms of hauling."

Beginning with a Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab as a starting point, SRT engineers worked their magic with the kind of goodies that have enthralled Dodge Ram SRT-10 owners from day one: Viper V-10 power, a performance suspension, world-class brakes, bold performance styling and a race-inspired interior.

The only logical choice to power the world's ultimate performance four-door pickup: the 8.3-liter Dodge Viper V-10 engine, unleashing 500 horsepower and 525 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is backed up by a four-speed automatic transmission — a 48RE gearbox, specially adapted from a diesel engine application for its ability to handle monster amounts of torque. A heavy-duty torque converter, custom transmission calibration and two-piece drive shaft were also specifically chosen for overall powertrain integrity and performance. Additionally, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab was fitted with a 4.56 gear ratio to improve launch feel, low-end acceleration and towing capability of up to 7,500 pounds.

While brute power and straight-line performance are high on the list of any performance enthusiast, every SRT vehicle must also perform throughout a dynamic range — from neighborhood grocery runs to blasts through twisting and winding roads.

To give the Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab the right balance and poise through a wide variety of driving scenarios, SRT engineers began with a fully hydroformed frame as the basis for strength and rigidity. From there, the Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab was fitted with fully-tuned front and rear strut and spring assemblies. Up front, modified steering and independent front suspension carry the load, while in the rear, axle snubbers, performance-tuned springs and Bilstein monotube shocks keep things firmly planted through the corners.

Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab's braking system was designed by SRT engineers, utilizing heavy-duty Dodge Ram components and unique four-pot opposed-piston calipers that are new for 2005. A three channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) actuates new custom red brake calipers up front that grip 15-inch rotors, and in the rear, modified heavy-duty red calipers grip 14-inch rotors. Front brakes are cooled with air ducted from the front fascia to reduce heat build-up.

Featuring cues reminiscent of Dodge's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Ram — such as the deep front fascia equipped with a wind splitter, signature cross-hair grille and sculpted sides — the Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab features a unique hood with a fully functional air intake that provides added bay cooling. A body-color aluminum tonneau cover, outfitted with a unique spoiler for aerodynamic balance, is standard.